The world of Yellowstone continues to expand with the upcoming spinoff, Marshals. With a fresh storyline centered around law enforcement in the modern West, it ties back to the original universe with familiar characters from the growing franchise.
Marshals is expected to follow the professional and personal lives of federal marshals operating in and around Montana, tying into the broader conflicts between land, law, and power that made Yellowstone one of the most popular shows. Although the spinoff takes viewers to a location other than the Dutton ranch, the drama and inter-character conflict will remain the same.
Read on to know the Yellowstone characters confirmed to return in the spinoff Marshals, and how their roles connect to the new series’ premise.
NameMarshalsShowrunnerSpencer HudnutCastLuke Grimes, Logan Marshall-Green, Arielle KebbelRelease DateMarch 1, 2026
1. Luke Grimes as Kayce Dutton
Luke Grimes is going to be the glue that holds the show together in his role as Kayce Dutton. His move to a new job makes the show possible and will further cover the consequences of this shift in Marshals. Kayce’s background as a former Navy SEAL and livestock commissioner allowed him to join law enforcement and further the narrative.
In Marshals, Kayce is expected to lean more into the legal and enforcement side of his character. From dealing with violent conflicts, territorial disputes, and criminal activity to protect the ranch to now serving as a protector of the entire region, Marshals places him in a strong position in the new storyline as he was deserving of his own spinoff show.
2. Gil Birmingham as Thomas Rainwater
Gil Birmingham in Yellowstone | Credits: Paramount Network
Gil Birmingham returns as Thomas Rainwater, the Chairman of the Broken Rock Reservation. Rainwater’s role in Yellowstone was clouded by political strategy, legal battles over land rights, and the need to navigate tense relationships with the Dutton family and state authorities.
He is returning to the world of Yellowstone with Marshals and is expected to play a pivotal role in the changing dynamics. Rainwater’s involvement may facilitate cases that overlap tribal lands and federal jurisdiction, making him an important character in the entire story. His arc also allows the spinoff to explore broader social and legal themes that plague the West.
3. Mo Brings Plenty returns as Mo
Mo Brings Plenty in Yellowstone | Credits: Paramount Network
How could Rainwater return without his trusted right-hand man? Mo Brings Plenty is also set to return as he was both an enforcer and an advisor to Rainwater. Mo’s quiet but powerful presence within the reservation’s leadership gave the entire scenario a more grounded feel.
In Marshals, Mo’s role is expected to continue in a similar capacity, at the intersection of federal investigations or local enforcement efforts. Fans would like to see his arc evolve with the story and go beyond being just Rainwater’s enforcer. His character brings Indigenous perspectives into the fold and enhances the broader narrative of law and power in the region.
4. Brecken Merrill as Tate Dutton
Brecken Merrill as Tate Dutton and Kevin Costner as John Dutton in Yellowstone | Credit- Paramount Network
Brecken Merrill returns as Tate Dutton, the son of Kayce and Monica. Tate’s character has grown throughout Yellowstone, often reflecting the personal stakes behind the larger conflicts, especially for his father.
In Marshals, Tate’s role is expected to remain more personal than procedural. His presence gives fans a glimpse of domestic Kayce and shows how far he’s willing to go to protect his family. While Tate is unlikely to be directly involved in the overarching story arcs, his character adds emotional depth and continuity to the Dutton family beyond Yellowstone.
Why Is Monica Dutton Absent in Marshals?
Kelsey Asbille as Monica Dutton in Yellowstone | Credit: Paramount Network
Kelsey Asbille’s Monica Dutton is notably absent from the confirmed returning cast. It is speculated that the entire reason Kayce joins the Marshals is that he suffered a tragic loss. His wife dies and leaves him alone to pick up the pieces. Speaking to ExtraTV, actor Luke Grimes explained,
We find him at a really low point. Kind of worst case scenario, actually. Kind of the worst thing that could happen to him has happened, and it’s sort like picking up the pieces and where does he go from there. I think faced with something like that, you’ve only got a couple of choices, you know. One, you can completely fall apart, and live in despair, or you make a huge change and you keep fighting and you try something new, and he decides to do the ladder.
Monica’s character in Yellowstone was tied to academic life, cultural identity, and family struggles, which often led her to adopt a victim mindset. This did not sit well with people, and some even wanted her dead in the original show itself. Nevertheless, the spinoff seems to have realized this vision, removed Monica from the equation, and propagated a new narrative for Kayce altogether. Talk about two birds with one stone.
What do you think Marshals should focus more on? Tell us in the comments.
Marshals is set to premiere on March 1, 2026, on CBS and stream on Paramount+.
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